50 Years’ Travelled - Honouring Hino Heritage

In
1964, two bonneted Hino 195hp diesel trucks were imported
and assembled in Auckland, and then sold to logging
companies in Rotorua. They were the first of thousands that
have since spanned Hino NZ Distributors’ half a century.
To celebrate their success Hino NZ are hitting the roads
that helped get them there. A specially branded SH 700 Euro
5 is marking the occasion by travelling the country the
truck’s next stop is in Nelson Monday 11 August.

With
the 15,000th Hino to be sold this year, the roadshow is to
especially thank Hino’s valued customers and suppliers.
During May the first leg of the journey included stops in
seven North Island locations; leg two starts in Nelson on
Monday and will cover Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill
during the week.

Competitions are running alongside the
lunchtime events, encouraging all truck enthusiasts to get
involved.

Hino called for nominations, where winning
children will be delivered to school in the anniversary
truck during each roadshow stop. Monday morning will see 10
year old Willem Delany picked up from Truck Stops and taken
to Central School. Nominated by a family friend, Willem has
been described as “well-deserving, active boy whose
enthusiasm for life is admired”.

Hino are also running a
‘guess the odometer’ competition, inviting everyone to
guess what the truck’s odometer reading will be by the end
of October to be eligible to win a mystery trip for two.

In New Zealand the trucking industry is significant;
transporting up to 90% of the country’s total freight -
directly contributing to the economy. With predictions of
domestic freight growing by 75% over the next 20 years, the
industry is a competitive one. Ray Roberts, Hino
Distributors NZ general manager, says acknowledging their
customers and industry partners was an important
consideration for the year’s activities. “Truck owners
are typically brand loyal, and Hino are fortunate to have
many, from a wide range of industries, who consistently
purchase our vehicles. The best way to thank them is to take
the celebrations to them.”

Hino continuously looks to
improve their offerings. In 2006 they introduced a hybrid to
their 300 series range, they were the first manufacturer to
comply with strict emission requirements, and in recent
times have been rolling out their new Euro 5 range of light,
medium and heavy duty trucks. Roberts says Hino will
continue to adapt and evolve over the next 50 years. “Some
things will always remain constant though – Hino’s
commitment to our clients, industry, economy and
environment.”

Details of where Hino will be during
their roadshow, the company’s history and competition
details can be found at www.hino.co.nz/50years.

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